Well… my wife saw this video and surprised me with an Ibanez Artcore Semi-hollow. With La Bellas. Wow. Loving it. Great channel. Thanks for all the inspirations and insights.
I predicted a while ago that the next big thing after short scales is going to be semi-hollows. I've been watching prices for Jack Cassady's or a Starcaster or a Guild. Very cool basses.
The attack on those tapewounds somehow has both a snap and a thud that I find really satisfying... like the first bite of your favorite candy bar that you haven't had in a long time.
The Epiphone Jack Casady basses are really great, and they're often on sale for $500-600. The VariTone control lets you adjust the pickup impedence. It makes a huge impact on your tone. There's one setting that's super big and round. I absolutely love it.
I have a huge collection of 60s basses and the Jack Casady is the only modern bass I've ever played that can keep up with my vintage stuff, totally. Best bass deal ever.
I have one of the Guild Starfire Newark Series built in Korea, which I got as a refurb from Sweetwater. I use it with tapewounds and I love it. Another killer semi-hollow is the Reverend Dub-King.
I have had a Dub King for a few years , ugly mother but killer tone . After playing bass for 57 years I have to say the Dub King might be the most versatile reasonably priced short scale ever . Bought in orange , stripped to a natural finish , but still ugly as sin imo
The nice thing about the Hofner German manufactured basses is that they're light as a feather. Having played in bar bands going back into the 1960's, a Fender solid body bass could really put a hurting on your shoulder midway through the 4th set on a 5-set gig. Their contemporary series have the center block and the German pups and are still pretty light. I used a couple of US made Epiphone Rivolis in the late 1960's-early 1970's. One pickup that sounded a little muddy at times, and a bass/baritone switch that did almost nothing. I now have an Epiphone Allen Woody bass and really like the midrange tones that are available. The short scale basses are much easier to play when you also have to sing. I started playing before roundwounds were even available. Every bass in the 1960's - other than Danelectro -were shipped with flats. I went through a couple of Longhorn basses; again, very lightweight and fun to play, but finding short scale flats was sometimes a challenge, and Dano tuners were not terribly reliable. McCartney and Jamerson played flats, and that's a good enough recommendation for me. Also, if you can find a DeArmond Starfire bass, they're remarkably close to the Guild, and far less expensive. They show up on eBay every now and then. I had a couple of them about 15-16 years ago and really liked them.
My favorite is the Ibanez ASB140. They aren’t real common, and there was an imbalance in the impedance of the tone circuit, but after addressing that, it is outstanding. It is a 34 inch scale, and with LaBella white tapes, it is pretty fabulous.
I love the look and sound of that Allen Woody! I use a Hofner CT (with the block) - its pretty great- but I'd love to try a semi-hollow with a 32" scale (like the Warwick). I happen to like the tape wraps a lot, but both sounds you were getting were great.
Ooh, my favourite topic so far. Semi-hollows are the best and I recently got Epiphone Jack Casady Signature and didnt even think to add tapewounds on it. Love the idea, will try it when have bit more spare time. What I really like about your videos is the way you speak to us like we are friends visiting you as it is not over-presented and I feel really casual and good. Thank you for these uploads and I recommend your channel as often as I can to my friends.
I bought a Schector Corsair semi-hollow close to a year ago & think it's one of the best, 1 1/2 jazz width graph tech nut, 34 scale thin C profile with 2 carbon reinforcement rods, maple neck & ebony fretboard plus block inlays, pair of EMG TBHZ pickups with active 2 band EQ that include a balance knob for pickups rather then on/off/both, really well made, very cool good looking bass !
@bennieguardell8202 I’m thinking about that one. There’s nothing wrong with black or gold but I wish there were more color options which is why I’m considering the Simon Gallup model of the Corsair with the red paint and Lion on the front even if it’s $350 more. How is the playability of that bass? Low action?
@@scotthutchens1203 didn't have the Gallup model when I bought the black it wasn't out yet but I like the black. I've played a Jazz bass for years so I like the neck & 1 1/2 nut, added D'Addario Chromes goin' for an old school flatwound sound, just set the intonation it plays great. Added some white decal transfer sticker that could be removed but I'm keepin' them on.
@@boppin_bennie Thanks for the info! Glad they play great! I have a 1972 Jazz Bass with a Warmoth neck and a Gibson SB-450 that I upgraded with extra pickups and six mini switches for a total of six pickups. I know UA-cam doesn’t support photos, I’ve tried it, never worked. Wish they would.
If you’re in the market for a semi hollow body bass, but don’t have the $1200 for a Guild Starfire bass, there is an inexpensive alternative. I spotted a Harley Benton HB 60 semi hollow bass on UA-cam. It’s distributed by Thomann in Germany,although it’s made in China. It’s a beautiful instrument that caught my eye, so I watched every video on UA-cam about this axe, and after about a year of deliberation, I ordered one. It took about two weeks to arrive at my house, without a case, but packed very securely. I did some adjustments to fit my personal taste, and tried it out on a gig and was quite surprised at how well it worked! I brought along my Fender Jazz in case I needed to switch. I used the HB60 the whole night! The price?? I purchased mine, shipping and all for less than $325! That was almost a year ago, so it might be a little more. I’ve seen pros and cons about the bass, but I took a chance and it worked out well!
I think the Hagstrom Viking Bass looks pretty cool for a good range of hollow tones in videos, but I haven't tried one yet. I played one of the Hagstrom small body ES six string electric guitars (the Alvar) and it was a great guitar. I find the D'Addario Chrome Strings are a great compromise between round wounds and flats. They sound good and punchy with some brilliance, and feel real smooth on your fingertips. I have a set of those Chromes on a 2012 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass V (the five string version of the 1975 Fender Jazz Bass with a natural gloss body and the black rectangular acrylic inlays on blond maple neck), and played it out on some long gigs and thoroughly enjoyed it..
A little late, but I recently picked up an Ibanez Artcore AFB200 bass from 2007 and I love it. Such an old school thumpy sound. It has flat wounds on it, but thinking about putting some tape wounds on!
Totally agree with making something if you can’t afford your dream bass. My go to is a P from a Fretwire kit that I took the time to make my own. Last recording engineer I worked with asked my what year my Fender was which was an awesome feeling! I’ve been interested in Eastwood Semi-hollow. Similar to that Guild we all want in style but more affordable
Just bought myself a Hofner Club Bass Contemporary Series, as a recent injury had me needing a bass that was easier to manage. I love it. Same pickups as the German Hofner Violin Bass, same control panel (different value pots and knobs), but it has a solid centre block (these are the mid level Hofners). It did need some setting up as the original owner used it straight out of the box, but I am quite impressed with the result.
@@EricOehler01 I understand Remember a hollow body bass is a lot more solid than an acoustic guitar and some people move the strap button on them! Or if you can find someone who is a bit handy then it wouldn't be too difficult to bend a hard metal strip; drill a whole either end; attach a strap button to one of these holes and then attach the other end into the hole that's already there for the strap button that already exists I think you'll see that it can be rather unobtrusive (not as neat as just doing it as I originally mentioned) and the balance will be SO much better that you might reconsider my original post afterall... Also, don't forget, that you don't need rubber to make a strap grippy- There are several types of suede or synthetic materials that are quite grippy & a haberdasher might be able to point you the way here so that sewing this to the inside of your strap that goes over your shoulder can also work wonders I hope this helps👍
@@BeesWaxMinder I am tempted to do the "pull a block through and glue it to the inside of the horn" trick but I'm not sure I'm handy enough. So far I've gotten by with just a wide strap with a counterweight.
After 30 plus years of playing I was seriously considering purchasing one when all of sudden one fell on my lap via a guitar student’s parent. It’s a red sparkle ‘66 Gibson EB2 that was just collecting dust. Absolutely adore it. Love the neck and feel. More versatile than people give it credit for...great for old school vibes but also nasty with a touch of OD or all out fuzz. Great vid.
My semi-hollow is a $100 Davidson that I got second hand. It had some issues and I spent most of a day sorting it out. I junked the no-name pickups and installed an old set of Ibanez that I had laying around, Now it's a tone machine when played through my 66 Ampeg B15- perfect for surf rock or anything 1950/60's.
Try Hofner Ignition Club bass. My son's making a copy of one. There's not much to choose between the strings, but Rotosound tapes have the initial 'click' which sharpens things up.
I think I prefer the flats on that bass, but tapewound strings are an absolute TREAT! I've got a set of La Bella tapes on my cheap, Frankenbass fretless J-Bass, and I love 'em! If you haven't already, the Ernie Ball Slinky Flats (their cobalt flatwounds) are a great string to try - the character of roundwounds with the feel and warmth of flatwounds!
Good, informative video - many thanks. The Epiphone Jack Cassidy Bass has a really nice sound - although it's quite a large body. It has the advantage of having a 34" scale length. On Philip's bass, the black tapewound strings have some extra warmth which I really like.
I really like the Ibanez Artcore basses, both the full hollow body floating bridge AFB200 and the semi hollow AGB200. Both short(-ish) scale, which I love. Really love the look - and price!! - of the Harley Benton HB-60 as well. Regarding the flats vs tapewounds: not a lot in it to my ears, but I think I prefer the flats. I think.
Good video. The semi-hollow bass that always comes to mind for me is the Epiphone Jack Casady bass, but I am an old geezer and a big Hot Tuna fan. Also, I love tape wound bass strings, I have them on both my Ibanez acoustic and my Rouge "Beatle bass". If I use a foam mute and EQ in favor of the lower frequencies, they get me close to the upright bass sound.
I was on Reverb last week and impulse bought a cheap used 32” scale semi hollow with flats on it. Those are all new things for me (except the cheap and used parts). It’s taking a minute to get used to but I think I love it. Been having trouble putting it down!
I have an Ibanez AGB200 with flatwounds. It's a short-scale at 30.3". It's not only beautiful (Violin Burst w/gold hardware) but it sounds great as well, with a variety of tones available. My only critizism is it's a bit on the heavy side.
Firstly, I wish you'd have played a longer sound sample (like the one on the front of the video), exploring the lower register of the bass. That said, I think the 'tapes' offer a slightly thinner sound than the 'flats', but with some 'spit' on the higher frequencies. I do love that big fat mudbucker. I've been looking at acquiring a short-scale semi-hollow so thanks, your video has inspired me to consider picking up pawn shop bargain and doing some work on it. Hopefully, it'll turn out to have the vibe that yours does.
The Gibson EB-6, both the ES style semi hollow shape and the solid body SG style one. They're both Gibson's take on a Bass Six, but with PAF humbuckers. Super cool and weird
Great video! Semi hollow lover here. I like those tape wounds - the sound is just a little different and I will have to try some out. My two favourite semi hollows at the moment are the Epi Rivoli (bass cut button makes it reallllly warm) and the Duesenberg Star Bass. Both are short scale and both are great fun to play (though not always appropriate tonally).
I had a Candy Apple Red Coronado in the early 70's. It would feedback like crazy, and into a Bassman 50 2x15 it was hard to get any volume or bottom with a full band. That Woody is sweet!
I have Hollows and Solids. The biggest problem I have with my hollow body basses is that I am limited as to the type of bridge I can use. I’m very OCD on intonation, and floating bridges can be hard to set up, especially the single bar saddle versions. I have replaced all three that I have, and it was very expensive and hard to match radius and fit. I do love how my hollows can give me cool feedback when I want and they have very cool overtones.
Great video Phillip. Where is that saturation coming from in your tone in the beginning of the video? It’s so delightfully wooly without being aggressive.
The tapewounds sounded a lot brighter and punchier than I expected too, maybe just because they’re new? In this comparison I think preferred the flatwounds since they lean more into that warm wookie hug sound, but maybe the tapewounds will lose some top end after a couple weeks. Definitely check out Tab Martin of The Peddlers if you want to hear some sweet semi-hollow playing. Also if anyone’s looking for that vintage semi-hollow bass vibe without breaking the bank, look at the old Danelectro/Silvertone/Harmony instruments from the 50s and 60s
I actually wanted to make the same pickup mod to Allen Woody bass. But place the wooden cover closer to the neck and align DS with the "central" pickup side.
I got a Starfire Reissue bass that I love, it came with rounds but sounds way better with flats, I love it for my prog rock kinda stuff. Gretsch makes cool semi hollows too.
Got here because I recently got aware of the great sound and style of Gov't Mule's Allen Woody. Heard your sound and I got really curious what bass you were playing. What a surprise, it actually is a modified Allen Woody. To be honest, it really sounds better than all clips I heard of the Guuld Starbass or the original Rumble Cat. Surprisinly the tapewounds have more highs than the flats. But both sound absolutely wonderful on your bass. I really think about getting a Rumble Cat and replacing the neck PU with a Darkstar, like you did. Sounds like a perfect match imo. Thanks for the inspiration!
I have examples of all three types. My Bass vi is solid, my ‘67 EB-2c is semi and my two Hofner Clubs are full hollow. One Hofner has pyramid flats and the other has black tape wounds. All listed basses have flats currently. The difference, to my ears on the Hofner strings is less about sound but feel. I like both.
Epiphone Jack Casady sig... its based of a Gibson LP bass from the early 70's... I have mine strung up w/ Rotosound Jazz 77 Monel flats... sounds like thunder!
Damnit, Philip... I'm getting over covid and that wookie line laughed me into a coughing fit. ;-) I owned a semi-hollow bass when I was in college. I still kick myself for getting rid of it (the worst part is I can't remember what I did with it...). I picked it up used in Athens and it played amazing well. A semi-hollow will likely be the next bass I buy now that I have a StingRay. I'm considering either the Ibanez Artcore (to match my artcore guitar) or one of the Harley Benton HB-60s. On the strings, I really like the deep resonant tone that tape wounds give that bass. I'd stick with those on it.
This is a discussion that rivals "tonewood" and sure to lead to arguments. On the one hand, my Epi Les Paul Special, the Fender J and the Jack Casady basses sound slightly different. On the other, it is possible to alter the sound with the controls or pedals. Electic instruments can only register the string vibrations via magnets. The magnets cannot tell the difference between mahogany, maple or poplar or whether the body is hollow, semi-hollow or solid. Resonance in the body is irrelevant to magnets sitting under the strings. I have been playing electric bass since 1968 and my best advice to young bass players is to buy an instrument you can afford, get a luthier to set it up and explain how she/he did it and then Practice, Practice, Practice and play every chance you get.
I haven’t been playing bass as long as you or this guy, but I was surprised to see this video, he doesn’t seem like the kind of person to fall for tonewood. Semi hollow basses have that sound because of pickups and the common use of flatwounds with them, and confirmation bias. In a blind test with identical electronics in each bass, nobody could do more than gues. The Epiphone Viola bass uses very similar pickups to the EB series humbuckers, and it sounds much like one of those. With roundwounds (which come stock) it sounds aggressive and bright, the body wood and construction does absolutely nothing
I’ve got a Gretsch Broadkaster that I love so much. Not perfect for everything but always a treat when it finds the right song. Love the tapewounds on your bass. Keeps the smooth warmth but adds a touch of clarity that I think will punch through the mix quite nicely. Really enjoying your videos, Phillip!
hey phiip can ya share about the bridge on it and mybe a vid on bass bridges like dies material mass matter and top load vs string through brass saddles vs steel
are the old Framus Start basses fully hollowbody or semi? Either way I've always wanted one realllll bad. Maybe when I get some money I can get one of the new Warwick star bass reissues in a 5 string
I’m curious how chambered solid-body instruments fit in to this spectrum. Something like the Sadowsky NYC instruments which are chambered to reduce weight but also apparently have slightly better resonance because of it. Sadly I don’t have all the instruments required to see if there’s a discernible difference between a completely solid-body bass and a chambered one and how close the chambering is to a semi-hollow!
I’m addicted to the feel of flats and their sound gives off quintessential “bass” tones to me. However, the tapes sound about the same as flats on this guitar, how do they feel in comparison to flats?
I think feel-wise, I like the rounds. The tapes seem a bit clacky. I like the rubbery texture, but I feel more at home with the flats? Not sure if that makes sense…
Did you mean you liked the ‘flats’ better feel-wise? If so, yep, makes sense. Those tapes do have a bit more low-mids coming through, not huge, but it’s there. Anywho.. gonna start researching semi’s for a possible next bass. Thanks for the video, enjoying your channel, subbed awhile back.
I've never had a semi hallow bass but if I did I would like to try Ibanez AGB200 Semi hallow bass guitar and see if I could get any sounds I like out of it. It has a Les Paul shape which I love and comes in a natural finish. It also has a 30.3 inch scale and 2 - Ibanez classic elite humbucking pickups. Not a fan of the headstock but if it has the tone I like I would keep it. I also like the look of the Allen Woody bass. Do you know why Allen chose that pickup layout? Also I was wondering are the 3 point bridges on the Woody bass considered a high mass bridge?
Hi! Thanks for sharing. I honestly don’t know too much about the Allen Woody in terms of the original pickup configuration. The bridge is cool and easily adjustable. Sorry I can’t be more helpful on this!
Well… my wife saw this video and surprised me with an Ibanez Artcore Semi-hollow.
With La Bellas.
Wow. Loving it.
Great channel. Thanks for all the inspirations and insights.
Soo awesome! What a great gift. Congratulations on your new bass; I hope you love it!
I predicted a while ago that the next big thing after short scales is going to be semi-hollows. I've been watching prices for Jack Cassady's or a Starcaster or a Guild. Very cool basses.
We’ll see! That wouldn’t surprise me. Great choices!
I play a short scale and its a bit easier physically but it doesn't have the sound :-(
The Jack Casady Epiphone Bass is totally hollow. The Guild that he played during the 1960s had a center block.
I am really looking forward to buying a Jack Cassady, a black one would be
Ben Howard bassist Mickey Smith plays mostly the Jack Casady bass and gets some huge tones out of it.
The attack on those tapewounds somehow has both a snap and a thud that I find really satisfying... like the first bite of your favorite candy bar that you haven't had in a long time.
Well said! I like it too. Frozen Reece cup 😆
Love This!
The Epiphone Jack Casady basses are really great, and they're often on sale for $500-600. The VariTone control lets you adjust the pickup impedence. It makes a huge impact on your tone. There's one setting that's super big and round. I absolutely love it.
I have a huge collection of 60s basses and the Jack Casady is the only modern bass I've ever played that can keep up with my vintage stuff, totally. Best bass deal ever.
Worth noting that even without the modifications, the Allen Woody Rumblekat is a pretty great bass. For the price, I couldn’t be happier with mine.
Well said! I kind of wish I could rewind a few years and hear mine again unaltered to compare.
Yeah I plan on getting the Allen Woody hopefully soon 😀
I've had my Allen Woody bass for two years. It's amazing, with flat wound strings it can sound like a double bass. Love it!
I bought an Ibanez AGB-200 about a year ago, and it has been a joy to play. I use the neck pickup alone about 90% of the time.
Nice! ⚡️
I fell in love with the Reverend Dub King: semihollow, short scale, propietary pickups, 5-piece neck, and a MONSTER tone!
The Tapewound and the Flatwound both sound great... I think the only option is to get a second semi-hollow to have both available!
I think you may be on to something there…
I have one of the Guild Starfire Newark Series built in Korea, which I got as a refurb from Sweetwater. I use it with tapewounds and I love it. Another killer semi-hollow is the Reverend Dub-King.
Excellent! Thanks Simon ⚡️
I have had a Dub King for a few years , ugly mother but killer tone . After playing bass for 57 years I have to say the Dub King might be the most versatile reasonably priced short scale ever . Bought in orange , stripped to a natural finish , but still ugly as sin imo
The nice thing about the Hofner German manufactured basses is that they're light as a feather. Having played in bar bands going back into the 1960's, a Fender solid body bass could really put a hurting on your shoulder midway through the 4th set on a 5-set gig. Their contemporary series have the center block and the German pups and are still pretty light. I used a couple of US made Epiphone Rivolis in the late 1960's-early 1970's. One pickup that sounded a little muddy at times, and a bass/baritone switch that did almost nothing. I now have an Epiphone Allen Woody bass and really like the midrange tones that are available. The short scale basses are much easier to play when you also have to sing. I started playing before roundwounds were even available. Every bass in the 1960's - other than Danelectro -were shipped with flats. I went through a couple of Longhorn basses; again, very lightweight and fun to play, but finding short scale flats was sometimes a challenge, and Dano tuners were not terribly reliable. McCartney and Jamerson played flats, and that's a good enough recommendation for me. Also, if you can find a DeArmond Starfire bass, they're remarkably close to the Guild, and far less expensive. They show up on eBay every now and then. I had a couple of them about 15-16 years ago and really liked them.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It sounds like you’ve been here for so much great music history. Glad to have you here! ⚡️
Loving the bass course so far! I’ve never progressed this fast on an instrument
Awesome! So glad you are enjoying it! Keep me posted on progress.
My favorite is the Ibanez ASB140. They aren’t real common, and there was an imbalance in the impedance of the tone circuit, but after addressing that, it is outstanding. It is a 34 inch scale, and with LaBella white tapes, it is pretty fabulous.
Did you go with 50k pots and .22 cap?
Yes I did, and since then, I have acquired an AGB140. I plan to build a new harness for it as well.
I love the look and sound of that Allen Woody! I use a Hofner CT (with the block) - its pretty great- but I'd love to try a semi-hollow with a 32" scale (like the Warwick). I happen to like the tape wraps a lot, but both sounds you were getting were great.
Thanks For sharing Jonathan ⚡️
I have a 67 epiphone Rivoli two pickup model one of my favorites! Parallel to gibbons EB 2 one pickup I also own. Also phenomenal!
Thanks for sharing!
I bet it sounds awesome ⚡️
Ooh, my favourite topic so far. Semi-hollows are the best and I recently got Epiphone Jack Casady Signature and didnt even think to add tapewounds on it. Love the idea, will try it when have bit more spare time.
What I really like about your videos is the way you speak to us like we are friends visiting you as it is not over-presented and I feel really casual and good. Thank you for these uploads and I recommend your channel as often as I can to my friends.
One of my favorite bassists, Peter Hook, used a sweet Eccleshall ES-335 style bass with yamaha p pickups... one of my favorites!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing ⚡️
High neck, chorus...and a pick....classic tone.
I bought a Schector Corsair semi-hollow close to a year ago & think it's one of the best, 1 1/2 jazz width graph tech nut, 34 scale thin C profile with 2 carbon reinforcement rods, maple neck & ebony fretboard plus block inlays, pair of EMG TBHZ pickups with active 2 band EQ that include a balance knob for pickups rather then on/off/both, really well made, very cool good looking bass !
@bennieguardell8202 I’m thinking about that one. There’s nothing wrong with black or gold but I wish there were more color options which is why I’m considering the Simon Gallup model of the Corsair with the red paint and Lion on the front even if it’s $350 more. How is the playability of that bass? Low action?
@@scotthutchens1203 didn't have the Gallup model when I bought the black it wasn't out yet but I like the black. I've played a Jazz bass for years so I like the neck & 1 1/2 nut, added D'Addario Chromes goin' for an old school flatwound sound, just set the intonation it plays great. Added some white decal transfer sticker that could be removed but I'm keepin' them on.
@@scotthutchens1203 tried to attach a photo but don't think you can on youtube.
@@boppin_bennie Thanks for the info! Glad they play great! I have a 1972 Jazz Bass with a Warmoth neck and a Gibson SB-450 that I upgraded with extra pickups and six mini switches for a total of six pickups. I know UA-cam doesn’t support photos, I’ve tried it, never worked. Wish they would.
If you’re in the market for a semi hollow body bass, but don’t have the $1200 for a Guild Starfire bass, there is an inexpensive alternative. I spotted a Harley Benton HB 60 semi hollow bass on UA-cam. It’s distributed by Thomann in Germany,although it’s made in China. It’s a beautiful instrument that caught my eye, so I watched every video on UA-cam about this axe, and after about a year of deliberation, I ordered one.
It took about two weeks to arrive at my house, without a case, but packed very securely. I did some adjustments to fit my personal taste, and tried it out on a gig and was quite surprised at how well it worked! I brought along my Fender Jazz in case I needed to switch. I used the HB60 the whole night! The price??
I purchased mine, shipping and all for less than $325! That was almost a year ago, so it might be a little more. I’ve seen pros and cons about the bass, but I took a chance and it worked out well!
I think the Hagstrom Viking Bass looks pretty cool for a good range of hollow tones in videos, but I haven't tried one yet. I played one of the Hagstrom small body ES six string electric guitars (the Alvar) and it was a great guitar. I find the D'Addario Chrome Strings are a great compromise between round wounds and flats. They sound good and punchy with some brilliance, and feel real smooth on your fingertips. I have a set of those Chromes on a 2012 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass V (the five string version of the 1975 Fender Jazz Bass with a natural gloss body and the black rectangular acrylic inlays on blond maple neck), and played it out on some long gigs and thoroughly enjoyed it..
A little late, but I recently picked up an Ibanez Artcore AFB200 bass from 2007 and I love it. Such an old school thumpy sound. It has flat wounds on it, but thinking about putting some tape wounds on!
Totally agree with making something if you can’t afford your dream bass. My go to is a P from a Fretwire kit that I took the time to make my own. Last recording engineer I worked with asked my what year my Fender was which was an awesome feeling!
I’ve been interested in Eastwood Semi-hollow. Similar to that Guild we all want in style but more affordable
Great insight! I’d love to hear that P Bass. Thanks for sharing!
Just bought myself a Hofner Club Bass Contemporary Series, as a recent injury had me needing a bass that was easier to manage. I love it. Same pickups as the German Hofner Violin Bass, same control panel (different value pots and knobs), but it has a solid centre block (these are the mid level Hofners). It did need some setting up as the original owner used it straight out of the box, but I am quite impressed with the result.
Where were you able to find a Hofner Contemporary Club at? I’ve been looking for months and they seem to be impossible to find online
@@iGotVOLCOMstoned I was lucky and found a second hand one on Facebook Marketplace.
@@konkonidaris8469 damn it! Well congrats on your new purchase!
I played a Rickenbacker 4005 today, it's the sickest bass I've played. It had roundwounds and I normally go for flats but loved it despite that.
I recently got a Hagstrom Viking bass; short scale, and it sounds glorious (although it has serious neck dive). Takes distortion really well, too.
Put the strap button on the top horn
@@BeesWaxMinder I am terrified of making any structural changes to a hollow bass. If it were solid body, I'd be down. But I have Concerns.
@@EricOehler01 I understand
Remember a hollow body bass is a lot more solid than an acoustic guitar and some people move the strap button on them! Or if you can find someone who is a bit handy then it wouldn't be too difficult to bend a hard metal strip; drill a whole either end; attach a strap button to one of these holes and then attach the other end into the hole that's already there for the strap button that already exists
I think you'll see that it can be rather unobtrusive (not as neat as just doing it as I originally mentioned) and the balance will be SO much better that you might reconsider my original post afterall...
Also, don't forget, that you don't need rubber to make a strap grippy-
There are several types of suede or synthetic materials that are quite grippy & a haberdasher might be able to point you the way here so that sewing this to the inside of your strap that goes over your shoulder can also work wonders
I hope this helps👍
@@BeesWaxMinder I am tempted to do the "pull a block through and glue it to the inside of the horn" trick but I'm not sure I'm handy enough.
So far I've gotten by with just a wide strap with a counterweight.
I truly appreciate your deep insight into this type of stringed instrument🎸 thank you!!
After 30 plus years of playing I was seriously considering purchasing one when all of sudden one fell on my lap via a guitar student’s parent. It’s a red sparkle ‘66 Gibson EB2 that was just collecting dust. Absolutely adore it. Love the neck and feel. More versatile than people give it credit for...great for old school vibes but also nasty with a touch of OD or all out fuzz. Great vid.
Wow what a great find! Thanks for sharing ⚡️
My semi-hollow is a $100 Davidson that I got second hand. It had some issues and I spent most of a day sorting it out. I junked the no-name pickups and installed an old set of Ibanez that I had laying around, Now it's a tone machine when played through my 66 Ampeg B15- perfect for surf rock or anything 1950/60's.
Try Hofner Ignition Club bass. My son's making a copy of one. There's not much to choose between the strings, but Rotosound tapes have the initial 'click' which sharpens things up.
Thanks for your insight Chris! The Ignition Club looks cool. Thanks for sharing ⚡️
The Club feels better than the Violin Bass (Less Neck Diving).
Tapewound sounded like it cut through more but lacked bottom end. I liked the tapewound more but both sounded good
Nicely said! ⚡️
@@philipconradmusic Do you ever get noise from the pickups because of the plastic coating? Or does that only happen with single coils?
Great GREAT grit on the tone in the intro music! I didn't even notice it the first time around. It just sounded very good, which is the whole point
Thank you!
Great video, great editing, cool topic. What a sweet bass/drum track, too!
Thanks Dan! Really appreciate the kind words 🙏🏻
I think I prefer the flats on that bass, but tapewound strings are an absolute TREAT! I've got a set of La Bella tapes on my cheap, Frankenbass fretless J-Bass, and I love 'em!
If you haven't already, the Ernie Ball Slinky Flats (their cobalt flatwounds) are a great string to try - the character of roundwounds with the feel and warmth of flatwounds!
Wow great insight! Thanks for sharing Patrick. So glad to have you here ⚡️
Good, informative video - many thanks. The Epiphone Jack Cassidy Bass has a really nice sound - although it's quite a large body. It has the advantage of having a 34" scale length. On Philip's bass, the black tapewound strings have some extra warmth which I really like.
Thanks Tim! Thanks for sharing ⚡️
The Allen Woody Rumblekat is fairly dope. I like mine...
On the backstage live finale, did you ever figure out what was causing the feedback with the snorlax bass? It fit the song really well 👍
Yes! It was a the Strymon Compadre compressing the signal enough to create feedback through the amp.
I really like the Ibanez Artcore basses, both the full hollow body floating bridge AFB200 and the semi hollow AGB200. Both short(-ish) scale, which I love.
Really love the look - and price!! - of the Harley Benton HB-60 as well.
Regarding the flats vs tapewounds: not a lot in it to my ears, but I think I prefer the flats.
I think.
Good video. The semi-hollow bass that always comes to mind for me is the Epiphone Jack Casady bass, but I am an old geezer and a big Hot Tuna fan. Also, I love tape wound bass strings, I have them on both my Ibanez acoustic and my Rouge "Beatle bass". If I use a foam mute and EQ in favor of the lower frequencies, they get me close to the upright bass sound.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your insight. Glad to have you here ⚡️
I was on Reverb last week and impulse bought a cheap used 32” scale semi hollow with flats on it. Those are all new things for me (except the cheap and used parts). It’s taking a minute to get used to but I think I love it. Been having trouble putting it down!
Awesome! Good luck. I hope you make cool and beautiful things ⚡️
Jack Casady signature bass is amazing
The tapes jump out in the mix a little more, which is not generally a sound I associate with semi-hollows. That's a cool option!
The Hofner CT / Contemporary series has the center block.
I have an Ibanez AGB200 with flatwounds. It's a short-scale at 30.3". It's not only beautiful (Violin Burst w/gold hardware) but it sounds great as well, with a variety of tones available. My only critizism is it's a bit on the heavy side.
Nice!
Firstly, I wish you'd have played a longer sound sample (like the one on the front of the video), exploring the lower register of the bass. That said, I think the 'tapes' offer a slightly thinner sound than the 'flats', but with some 'spit' on the higher frequencies. I do love that big fat mudbucker. I've been looking at acquiring a short-scale semi-hollow so thanks, your video has inspired me to consider picking up pawn shop bargain and doing some work on it. Hopefully, it'll turn out to have the vibe that yours does.
Eppi EB 232 Kalamazoo made 66 or earlier, taped softer sound, thx for helping some bass players also I think you made good choice
The Gibson EB-6, both the ES style semi hollow shape and the solid body SG style one. They're both Gibson's take on a Bass Six, but with PAF humbuckers. Super cool and weird
My Hagstrom Viking bass is awesome!
Great video! Semi hollow lover here. I like those tape wounds - the sound is just a little different and I will have to try some out. My two favourite semi hollows at the moment are the Epi Rivoli (bass cut button makes it reallllly warm) and the Duesenberg Star Bass. Both are short scale and both are great fun to play (though not always appropriate tonally).
I'm also quite keen on checking out the newer Guild Starfire I bass but we don't have any around Australia at the moment.
Well said! The Rivoli looks rad. I’ve never played one before. Thanks for sharing!
I had a Candy Apple Red Coronado in the early 70's. It would feedback like crazy, and into a Bassman 50 2x15 it was hard to get any volume or bottom with a full band. That Woody is sweet!
I’ve enjoyed tapes and off, ever since I first ran into them on an old Burns semi-hollow. La Bella’s sit somewhere between rounds and flats.
the Rivioli, the bass answer to Riviera, is absolutely to die for
Nice! ⚡️
Danelectro Longhorn bass! Love that design, never played one though.
I have Hollows and Solids. The biggest problem I have with my hollow body basses is that I am limited as to the type of bridge I can use. I’m very OCD on intonation, and floating bridges can be hard to set up, especially the single bar saddle versions. I have replaced all three that I have, and it was very expensive and hard to match radius and fit.
I do love how my hollows can give me cool feedback when I want and they have very cool overtones.
Great video Phillip. Where is that saturation coming from in your tone in the beginning of the video? It’s so delightfully wooly without being aggressive.
The tapewounds sounded a lot brighter and punchier than I expected too, maybe just because they’re new? In this comparison I think preferred the flatwounds since they lean more into that warm wookie hug sound, but maybe the tapewounds will lose some top end after a couple weeks. Definitely check out Tab Martin of The Peddlers if you want to hear some sweet semi-hollow playing. Also if anyone’s looking for that vintage semi-hollow bass vibe without breaking the bank, look at the old Danelectro/Silvertone/Harmony instruments from the 50s and 60s
Great insight Dylan! Yes the tapes were newer than the flats; that’s a good point. Thanks for sharing! 🤘
Ground roundwounds for your strings, best of both worlds
Using those on my Mustang now and love them! Thanks for sharing ⚡️
That thing sounds amazing! Flatwounds for sure!
Thank you! Yeah flats sound cool IMO ⚡️
I actually wanted to make the same pickup mod to Allen Woody bass. But place the wooden cover closer to the neck and align DS with the "central" pickup side.
Tapes are definitely darker and i like that dark sound.
I got a Starfire Reissue bass that I love, it came with rounds but sounds way better with flats, I love it for my prog rock kinda stuff. Gretsch makes cool semi hollows too.
Got here because I recently got aware of the great sound and style of Gov't Mule's Allen Woody. Heard your sound and I got really curious what bass you were playing. What a surprise, it actually is a modified Allen Woody.
To be honest, it really sounds better than all clips I heard of the Guuld Starbass or the original Rumble Cat.
Surprisinly the tapewounds have more highs than the flats. But both sound absolutely wonderful on your bass.
I really think about getting a Rumble Cat and replacing the neck PU with a Darkstar, like you did. Sounds like a perfect match imo. Thanks for the inspiration!
Awesome! Good luck! I had to get some help with a router. Hope you find the sound you are looking for ⚡️
I have examples of all three types. My Bass vi is solid, my ‘67 EB-2c is semi and my two Hofner Clubs are full hollow. One Hofner has pyramid flats and the other has black tape wounds. All listed basses have flats currently. The difference, to my ears on the Hofner strings is less about sound but feel. I like both.
Epiphone Jack Casady sig... its based of a Gibson LP bass from the early 70's... I have mine strung up w/ Rotosound Jazz 77 Monel flats... sounds like thunder!
Damnit, Philip... I'm getting over covid and that wookie line laughed me into a coughing fit. ;-)
I owned a semi-hollow bass when I was in college. I still kick myself for getting rid of it (the worst part is I can't remember what I did with it...). I picked it up used in Athens and it played amazing well. A semi-hollow will likely be the next bass I buy now that I have a StingRay. I'm considering either the Ibanez Artcore (to match my artcore guitar) or one of the Harley Benton HB-60s.
On the strings, I really like the deep resonant tone that tape wounds give that bass. I'd stick with those on it.
Those are cool options! I hope you find the sound you are looking for. And I hope you are feeling better!
I prefer the tape wound. The tape wounds have a touch more high end. Maybe because they are new, or maybe they are round wound with tape?
They certainly have some grit. Still trying to decide. Thanks for sharing!
I honestly didn’t know this was a thing. They make semi hollow guitars so why wouldn’t they make basses? Thanks for putting me on to this.
🤘
This is a discussion that rivals "tonewood" and sure to lead to arguments.
On the one hand, my Epi Les Paul Special, the Fender J and the Jack Casady basses sound slightly different. On the other, it is possible to alter the sound with the controls or pedals.
Electic instruments can only register the string vibrations via magnets. The magnets cannot tell the difference between mahogany, maple or poplar or whether the body is hollow, semi-hollow or solid. Resonance in the body is irrelevant to magnets sitting under the strings.
I have been playing electric bass since 1968 and my best advice to young bass players is to buy an instrument you can afford, get a luthier to set it up and explain how she/he did it and then
Practice, Practice, Practice and play every chance you get.
I haven’t been playing bass as long as you or this guy, but I was surprised to see this video, he doesn’t seem like the kind of person to fall for tonewood. Semi hollow basses have that sound because of pickups and the common use of flatwounds with them, and confirmation bias. In a blind test with identical electronics in each bass, nobody could do more than gues.
The Epiphone Viola bass uses very similar pickups to the EB series humbuckers, and it sounds much like one of those. With roundwounds (which come stock) it sounds aggressive and bright, the body wood and construction does absolutely nothing
My work horse a Washburn AB-90 sound amazing with flatwounds.
Thanks for the great video! ❤
I use washburn ab90 semihollow. I love it
I have a fretless Stambaugh Resonance, piezo-only. Elite!
Nice!
I have a Revelation RBG, which is basically a copy of a Rivoli/EB-2 which totally nails that Jack Bruce tone!
Awesome! ⚡️
I’ve got a Gretsch Broadkaster that I love so much. Not perfect for everything but always a treat when it finds the right song.
Love the tapewounds on your bass. Keeps the smooth warmth but adds a touch of clarity that I think will punch through the mix quite nicely.
Really enjoying your videos, Phillip!
Thanks for sharing Josh! So glad to have you here ⚡️
Have you tasted an Epiphone Jack Cassady? Almost ten years ago buyied one, was first watch love!!!
Ibanez Artcore AGB200 and Gretsch Electromatic LSB. I own both and they are both amazing.
Thanks for sharing!
Tape wound for me 👌🏻
🤘
hey phiip can ya share about the bridge on it and mybe a vid on bass bridges like dies material mass matter and top load vs string through brass saddles vs steel
I love an EBO with green flatrounds.
Thank you Phillip
Thank you!
Hasn't been mentioned yet but the Gretsch G5442BDC
Electromatic Hollow
Body isn't famous, but I think it should be
Nice! Thanks for sharing
I had a starfire bass about 20 years ago and swapped it for a Thunderbird I still regret it now.
are the old Framus Start basses fully hollowbody or semi? Either way I've always wanted one realllll bad. Maybe when I get some money I can get one of the new Warwick star bass reissues in a 5 string
The tape wounds sound a bit more intimate. Like it's whispering the notes right into your ear.
Very interesting video, thank you. I'd love a Guild Starfire II, too. :) And my favorite sound at the end was with flatwounds.
Thanks for watching/sharing! ⚡️
I’m about to buy the guild. Just found a “looks like new” on reverb for $950!
Can you elaborate a little on how you modded the looks of the bass? Paint remover, sanding, buffing etc?
How about both? There’s an interesting mid/treble shift to the tapes.
Agreed!
Im a bit late to this debate, but as far as the strings go.....the flatwounds give a real retro tone, IMHO
I think the Jack Casady Bass from Epi deserved a shout. Great bass.
Well said!
That's DIY bass is my idea of bass tone perfection. Cheers
Thank you! Thanks for watching
I wonder why E & D are blue and A & G are red? is this a brand mix? anyway this guildiphone sounds and looks great.
Confirmed. Mixed up strings. I don’t mind similar strings; I change them as needed. As long as they are same gauge/type.
Id like to see rig rundown like video?
Maybe have to give that a try…
I’m curious how chambered solid-body instruments fit in to this spectrum. Something like the Sadowsky NYC instruments which are chambered to reduce weight but also apparently have slightly better resonance because of it. Sadly I don’t have all the instruments required to see if there’s a discernible difference between a completely solid-body bass and a chambered one and how close the chambering is to a semi-hollow!
any thoughts on the Ibanez ASB140 ?
I preferred tapewound!
Like getting a hug from a wookie 😂😂 I think I want one now
The Warwick rock bass star bass
I’m addicted to the feel of flats and their sound gives off quintessential “bass” tones to me. However, the tapes sound about the same as flats on this guitar, how do they feel in comparison to flats?
I think feel-wise, I like the rounds. The tapes seem a bit clacky. I like the rubbery texture, but I feel more at home with the flats? Not sure if that makes sense…
Did you mean you liked the ‘flats’ better feel-wise? If so, yep, makes sense. Those tapes do have a bit more low-mids coming through, not huge, but it’s there. Anywho.. gonna start researching semi’s for a possible next bass. Thanks for the video, enjoying your channel, subbed awhile back.
Yes you are correct; meant to say flats!
Have an Ibanez AGB200 that is a truly perfect bass. Put flat wounds on it and can't say enough how great they sound on it.
Sick! Would love to hear it
I prefer the flatwounds, they seem more mellow? Great video 😊👍
I like mellow. Thanks Nancy!
I've never had a semi hallow bass but if I did I would like to try Ibanez AGB200 Semi hallow bass guitar and see if I could get any sounds I like out of it. It has a Les Paul shape which I love and comes in a natural finish. It also has a 30.3 inch scale and 2 - Ibanez classic elite humbucking pickups. Not a fan of the headstock but if it has the tone I like I would keep it. I also like the look of the Allen Woody bass. Do you know why Allen chose that pickup layout? Also I was wondering are the 3 point bridges on the Woody bass considered a high mass bridge?
Hi! Thanks for sharing. I honestly don’t know too much about the Allen Woody in terms of the original pickup configuration. The bridge is cool and easily adjustable. Sorry I can’t be more helpful on this!